Mount Lassen National Park

3. Area of Mud Flow

Rocky lands at lower park elevations largely result from geologic disturbances. Such nearly soil free areas can show classic re-vegetation patterns. The Devastated Area is undergoing a succession process of re-vegetation, with herbs, grasses, shrub, and finally, trees retaking the land. Lodgepole Pines, generally the first trees, give way in time to other pines and firs. Although eruptions occurred during the 18th century at Cinder Cone and Fantastic Lava Beds, these areas show no significant vegetative recovery.

The park's plant life mixes species of the Sierra Nevada to the south and the Cascade Range. The result is a relative abundance of species. The park boasts some 779-plant species, but nearby Mount Shasta has only 485 species. About 24 Sierra species are at the northern limit of their range here. About 14 Cascadian species are at their southern limit.